Share

Is Murray Hill the new destination drinking spot? Yves Jadot and Jason Hicks, the proprietors of Raines Law Room and Jones Wood Foundry, have launched two new concepts inside the William hotel on East 39th Street. Each spot has a British theme: The 104-seat Peacock's modeled after a nineteenth-century English gentleman's club, with a menu of toasts and bar snacks like warm Scotch eggs, Welsh rarebit, and sticky-toffee date pudding. And downstairs, the Shakespeare reflects a sixteenth-century British countryside pub, offering heartier dishes like traditional roast chicken, lamb shepherd's pie, and a beer-focused beverage program. Robert Aikens, most recently of Stephan Starr's Dandelion in Philly, is the executive chef of both kitchens. Note that while both restaurants open today, they're phasing in lunch and dinner menus over the coming weeks (for now, you can order toasts and beverages). Check out the space, a few of the dishes, and the menus, straight ahead.

The Peacock's 104-seat space includes a library bar, a lounge, and two adjoining dining rooms.Photo: Melissa Hom

Afternoon tea will be served — and there's also an outdoor garden.Photo: Melissa Hom

Reid & Taylor Studios designed the space.Photo: Melissa Hom

Roasted-carrot and beetroot salad.Photo: Melissa Hom

Potted smoked-trout-and-horseradish paté.Photo: Melissa Hom

House-blend burger.Photo: Melissa Hom

Pumpkin on toast and English Cheddar.Photo: Melissa Hom

The Shakespeare seats 66.Photo: Melissa Hom

The drunker you get, the more you feel like you've time-traveled.Photo: Melissa Hom